|[ THE FAERI'S KEEPER ]|

Chapter 4: Captured - Part I

I sat behind one of the inn’s many tables, hidden away in a dark corner. A black cloak Brandon had lent me was thrown over my shoulder, hood up and covering the armour and Faeri cloak I was wearing. It was almost uncomfortably warm to be wearing so much but it was better to have everything on me.

Once I saw the window of opportunity I was going to dive right out through it.

I watched everyone as they moved about the inn and bar, disappearing upstairs to their rooms for the night, or ordering more drinks and food. Men grinned at the courtesans that approached them, winking coyly, whilst others laughed and clinking their flagons together, spilling alcohol over the rims of the glasses. Brandon stood behind the bar, serving everyone with his pleasant smile. Outside the alarm bells still rung dully. At first they had been an assault on the ears, but once accustomed to them, they were generally ignored. No one seemed evenly slightly concerned – the alarms were always ringing for some crime or another.

The door to the inn burst open and two Faeris entered the building. Their armour and expressions told me they were here on business, not for pleasantries. They glanced around the bar and I quickly looked down, raising the flagon of beer to my lips.  The whole building had gone quiet, the chatter fading into a thundering silence. I hoped I blended into the surrounding crowd – I wouldn’t be able to fight my way out in such a crowded place, and I didn’t want innocents dragged into the mess. I seemed to remain under their radar, for they did not make a noise of triumph. They walked through the tables, receiving the attention of everyone in the building, their boots clinking heavily against the floor. They stopped at the bar, one leaning heavily on the wood, the other sitting himself down comfortably. Both stared at Brandon grimly. My heart leapt into my throat. If they made one move to hurt him… my fingers edged down my leg to the knife pressing against my ankle.

“Can I help you gentlemen?” Brandon asked warmly, wiping a glass behind his bar. He kept his voice smooth and calm; open and friendly, “Perhaps a drink?” he raised the glass, reaching down under the bar to procure another one. “I’ve had a recent shipment of the finest ales from Škeri. It would be to your liking.”

“We are looking for a certain someone,” one of the Faeris said loudly, “A woman who goes by the name of “The Archer”. Have you seen her recently?”

“To have seen her I would have to know what she looks like.” Brandon laughed lightly, “And why are you looking for her so desperately?”

“She has taken something that does not belong to her.” The sitting guard said loudly, “And we wish to take it back.” Brandon nodded and set his glasses down, leaning his elbows on the bar.

“What did she steal?” he asked, “Surely it can’t be so important as to put the whole city under watch? I do not appreciate theft any more than the next man, but there are far worse crimes being committed.” I had to hand it to Brandon. I would have cracked already under the stern stares the Faeris were giving him.

“Other crimes?” another Faeri enquired, “Do you know of something we do not?” Brandon didn’t even blink. I saw both of them bristle, as if in anticipation. I bit my lip, heart skipping a beat.

“Murder? Rape? Brawls?” Brandon shrugged, “Every city has its violence.” The Faeris relaxed slightly. My heart resumed a normal rhythm.

“The woman we are searching for has killed two of the Faeri Guard, suspected of a third murder and has stolen a sword.” the leading Faeri said stiffly, “Again I implore of you, have you seen this woman? Dark hair, green eyes, pale skin. Wearing Faeri Armour and a blue cloak?” I immediately pulled my cloak tighter around me and took another sip from my beer as they both scoured the room again, eyes darting amongst the people seated. No one dared move under their gaze. You could feel it in the room. Tangible – a real thing, creeping over everyone with thousands of tiny clawed feet. Fear.